By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

Rising PHS senior Connor Slane is celebrating his recent success at the Future Masters Golf Tournament in Dothan.

Having attended this tournament twice with my son, I recall that Dothan’s heat makes this an extreme golfing event.

After a practice round and two days of play, qualifying players compete in the finals.

“This tournament is tough because of the strength of the field. It is probably the strongest field that I play against all year,” Slane said. “The players come from all over the country, and most are future collegiate golfers.”

Golfers must apply to play in the tournament. After applications are reviewed, invitations are issued to the Future Masters.

Simply being chosen to play is an honor.

Slane’s scores of two over par for the finals and only five over par for all three days are impressive. Slane finished 15th in the 15-18 age division.

Slane travels next to New Hampshire to play in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship July 16-21.

“After Trevor Paige chipped in for birdie on the first hole of the playoff to beat me in the qualifier, I became the first alternate from our qualifying site,” Slane said. “Someone pulled out of the tournament, so I’m going.”

“Connor has worked hard and I am excited for him. The U.S. Junior Amateur is extremely prestigious,” PHS golf coach, Phillip Lawson said.

Slane’s favorite golf book is David Cook’s “Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia.”

“This true story is about a man so caught up in golf that he neglects his relationships and his faith in God,” Slane said. “The story of this man’s life-changing experience helps me keep golf in perspective.”

As Slane’s writing teacher, his perspective inspires me. An avid cyclist, Slane wrote about experiencing nature’s beauty during an early-morning ride.

“We are on this beautiful Earth for only a short time, and we should all be thankful for every minute of our lives,” he said.

Slane’s spirit of gratitude and humility create a powerful force propelling him toward a limitless future.

 

Connie Nolen can be reached by email at CNolen@Shelbyed.k12.al.us.